Alumni Interview with Maritxenia Dutka

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

As a nursing student, I am curious as to how healthcare systems in other countries compare to ours in the United States. I came across this program online and instantly knew it would be an incredibly enriching experience. 

Why did you choose Czech Hospital Placements Program? 

The Czech Hospital Placement Program is really flexible. Not only do you get to choose when you want to participate and for how long, you also get to choose what departments you'd like to be placed in. This is so important because you're learning what you're interested in, not what someone else is choosing for you. 

What was your favorite part about Prague, Czech Republic? 

As someone who is terrible with directions, I really liked how easy public transportation is to figure out. This gave me the confidence and opportunity to see most of the city! 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

This program exceeded my expectations by a million percent. The surgical procedures were so interesting and the births I was able to observe were life-changing. My mentors never treated me as a shadow; they included me and made sure I understood everything that was happening. Outside of the hospital, I really bonded with the other students in the program. Everyone was supportive of one another and this made for a fun and comfortable environment. 

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program? 

Barbora, the program manager, is extremely welcoming and friendly. She was always available for any questions or concerns. She was really clear with instructions so I never felt lost or confused. Alexander, the accommodations manager, was also always available. He provided a nice home away from home. The mentors are exceptional in their fields. They are kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, and eager to teach. They really took me into consideration and made sure I got to experience the most while I was with them. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

I would have participated for a longer period of time! 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

I woke up in the morning, got ready, and went to meet my mentor at the hospital. My morning was divided into two parts: The first half was spent in the operating room or the delivery ward, and the second half was spent observing my mentor do ultrasound screenings and routine prenatal screenings. We were usually done at around 1:30 p.m. and I had lunch at the hospital. 

Some days we had excursions with Barbora. Excursions consisted of going to other departments in the hospital and learning about their work and how they connect with our own departments. Other times, we had the afternoons off so I met the other students and we explored the city or just relaxed in the apartment. We went to dinner together every night and then got ready for the next day at the hospital. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

There was a lot to do on my time off, especially on weekends. I spent most of my time with the girls in the program. Together we went to all the monumental places in Prague, tried new restaurants, and walked around taking in the beautiful sights. We also spent time relaxing in the apartment, catching up on The Bachelor, and getting to all know each other.

On the weekends we went out in the city. I met great locals who were eager to show me some of the best places in the city, like nice cafes and even a film festival. A few of the locals I met even like American football, so one Sunday night we went to a place in Prague that streamed the games (Go Eagles!). 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

Most of us stayed in the apartment they provide. There were many bedrooms and multiple bathrooms. I had a roommate (the best roommate) and the other girls had their own rooms. We made own our breakfast every morning but they provided everything we needed and even took requests for things we'd like. We had lunch provided for us at the hospital, and dinner was provided at a restaurant/pub less than half a block from the apartment. The apartment was really clean and cozy. Alexander was super welcoming. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins? 

Read the pamphlet and bring everything listed. You do need the croc-style shoes. I tried to get away with wearing sneakers but ended up having to get crocs there. Crocs are worn by everyone who works in the hospital: doctors, nurses, techs, etc. Also, don't get your nails done. A few of us had to find a nail salon last minute to have our polish removed; that's their policy. And finally, be excited to learn. Have an open mind and be receptive. The mentors are really knowledgeable and are excited to teach to those who are excited to learn. 

Would you recommend Czech Hospital Placements Program to others? Why? 

I recommend this program to anyone who will listen. It was an extremely enriching experience, both culturally and educationally. 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

Stepping out of your comfort zone and exposing yourself to cultures different than your own is invaluable. We become better, more knowledgeable, more compassionate people when we do. We meet incredible people we otherwise would have never met and have adventures we would have never experienced. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

My placement was OB/GYN and now I'm in the middle of the obstetrics unit at school. What I am learning ties in so perfectly with everything I saw in the hospital in Prague and I have a better understanding of the material. I also can't stop talking about my trip and reminiscing with my new friends!

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

Meaningful travel is when I get to dive head first into the place where I am traveling. It's when I make new local friends and participate in local events. It's when I try to learn the language and try the local food. I come back knowing a little more about the history of the place and what values and beliefs they hold.